Traveling for Thanksgiving? Clear skies expected for holiday drives

Monday

Nov 25, 2013 at 2:04 PMNov 25, 2013 at 2:04 PM

By Nick CrowThe Journal-Standard

FREEPORT — Northwest Illinois saw its first taste of snow Monday. Here is a look at how your Thanksgiving travel plans could be affected and where to get information while on the road this holiday weekend.

The Forecast

Tom Philip, meteorologist at the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities, said that there may be a chance for flurries Tuesday afternoon, but he doesn’t expect much accumulation.

“At the most it will be isolated snow showers and maybe some lingering flurries,” Philip said. “It will be minor accumulation, if anything at all.”

For Wednesday and Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Philip said that weather will be ideal for those hitting the roads.

“There is nothing in the forecast in the way of storm systems,” Philip said. “It should be good weather conditions for travel.”

He said that Wednesday will be sunny with highs in the mid to upper 20s while Thursday will be partly cloudy with highs in the lower 30s.

Where to stop

Motorists on the road in the Freeport area will also have access to mechanics, hotel booking information and travel resources by stopping at the Freeport/Stephenson County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, located off of U.S. 20 at 4596 U.S. Highway 20 East. Connie Sorn, executive director at the bureau, said that travelers can receive info there that they need about Stephenson County.

“We have maps, regional information and info on local auto services that we can share with travelers,” Sorn said. “Whether it be locked keys, a flat or anything like that, we can provide them with local businesses that can provide support. Travelers can even book hotels here and receive a discount.”

Travelers needing roadside assistance can also contact AAA at 866-968-7222.